CHAPTER FIVE

Surface Runoff
5.1

INTRODUCTION
Rainfall excess is that portion of total rainfall that is not stored on the land
surface or infiltrated into underlying soil. It eventually comprises direct runoff
to downstream rivers, streams, storm sewers, and other conveyance systems.
One of the key parameters in the design and analysis of urban hydrologic
systems is the resulting peak runoff or, in some cases, the variation of runoff
over time (i.e., hydrograph) at a watershed outlet or other downstream design
point. Its evaluation requires an adequate understanding of the processes and
routes by which the transformation of excess rainfall to direct runoff occurs.
It is worth noting that the models described herein for runoff estimation are
characterized as lumped methods. In this respect, they use a single set of
characteristic parameters to describe an entire basin. For example, the unit
hydrograph methods assume rainfall excess to be uniform across a watershed,
capable of being described by a single hyetograph. Strictly speaking, such
parameters vary spatially; however, it is generally not feasible to account for
the variability (e.g., runoff from every lawn, street, or roof), as in the case of a
distributed model.

5.2

TIME OF CONCENTRATION
Various parameters are used to characterize the response of a watershed to a
rainfall event. Of these, the most frequently used is time of concentration, tc,
defined as the time required for water to travel from the most hydraulicallyremote portion of a watershed to a location of interest (e.g., basin outlet). This
also corresponds to the response time from the beginning of a storm event to a
time when the entire basin contributes runoff to that location. Beyond the time
of concentration, runoff will remain constant until rainfall excess ceases.
Because tc cannot be directly measured, it is often estimated based on travel
times along appropriately partitioned flow paths that include both overland flow
and more concentrated channel flow components. Flow times can depend on
physiographic factors such as watershed size, topography, and land use.
Climatic factors, such as rainfall intensity and duration, play an equally
important role. For urban drainage systems, the timing of runoff may also be
heavily influenced by a storm water collection system. In this case, time of
concentration should be adjusted to reflect the additional travel time through
the conveyance system.
5-1

5-2 CHAPTER FIVE

Numerous empirical and physically-based methods are available for

approximating time of concentration. A study conducted by McCuen et al.
(1984), however, compared these various methods and showed that results can
vary significantly. Thus, the choice of which method to apply is not an easy one
for the analyst. The selection requires careful consideration of limitations of
each method and the conditions under which it was derived. In addition, it is
often recommended to estimate tc using several methods and use qualitative
judgment to arrive at a single value. Note that in practice, a minimum value of
five minutes is recommended for urban applications and ten minutes for
residential applications.
5.2.1

Overland Flow Models

Overland flow is that portion of runoff that occurs as sheet flow over a land
surface without becoming concentrated in well-defined channels, gullies, and
rills. A common example is flow over long, gradually-sloped pavements during
or immediately following a storm. Some of the methods used for computing tc
for overland flow include the kinematic wave model, NRCS models, and a
variety of empirical techniques.
5.2.1.1 Kinematic Wave Model
Kinematic wave theory relies on the continuity equation (i.e., conservation of
mass) and a simplified form of the momentum equation to derive solutions for
flow problems. For a unit width of overland flow, the former can be expressed
as
q y
+
=i
x t

(5-1)

where q is the unit width flow rate; x is longitudinal distance along the flow
path; y is flow depth; t is time; and i is the rate of rainfall, or rainfall excess in
the case that abstractions are considered. Note that the two terms on the lefthand side of Equation 5-1 are used to simulate the non-uniform and unsteady
flow aspects (i.e., spatial and temporal variation of flow), respectively. With
respect to momentum, however, flow is assumed to be steady and uniform from
one time increment to the next. As described in greater detail in Chapter 6, the
implication is that simulated kinematic waves will not appreciably accelerate
and can only flow in the downstream direction. Thus, a wave will be observed
as relatively uniform rise and fall in the water surface over a long period. The
method is, therefore, limited to conditions that do not demonstrate appreciable
attenuation.

SURFACE RUNOFF 5-3

Consider that, for uniform flow, the momentum equation can be expressed
in the general form
q = k ym

(5-2)

where k and m are constants that depend on a relationship between depth and
discharge, Q. For example, the Manning equation represents one such
relationship and can be expressed as
Q=

Km
AR 2 3 S 1 2
n

(5-3)

where Km is a constant equal to 1.49 in U.S. customary units and 1.0 in S.I.
units; n is the Manning roughness coefficient; A is effective flow area; R is the
hydraulic radius, defined as the ratio of flow area to wetted perimeter, P; and S
is surface slope in ft/ft or m/m. Since overland flow can be considered as
shallow flow through a very wide rectangular channel, hydraulic radius can be
approximated as depth, and Equation 5-3 can be rewritten as
Q=

Km
23
By ( y ) S 1 2
n

(5-4)

where B is flow width. In addition, to be consistent with the current kinematic

wave analysis, Equation 5-4 can be expressed for a unit width as
q=

Km 5 3 1 2
y S
n

(5-5)

Comparing Equations 5-5 and 5-2, k can be taken as

k =

Km 1 2
S
n

(5-6)

and m is 5/3. Combining these two expressions yields the kinematic wave
equation for overland flow

5-4 CHAPTER FIVE

ck

y y
+
=i
x t

(5-7)

where ck is the kinematic wave celerity (i.e., speed), equal to

ck = k my m 1

(5-8)

Equation 5-7 implies that to an observer moving at a speed (i.e., dx/dt)

equivalent to ck, the relationship between depth of flow and rainfall excess is
dy
=i
dt

(5-9)

Solving this relationship at initial conditions y = 0 everywhere at t = 0 yields

y = it

(5-10)

Substituting this result into Equation 5-8 and integrating subject to the
boundary condition x = 0 at t = 0 gives
x = k i m 1t m

(5-11)

This expression can be used to evaluate the time required for a kinematic wave
to travel an overland flow path of distance L, which is assumed to be equal to
the time of concentration. The corresponding general relationship is
L
tc = m 1
k i

1m

(5-12)

Using the Manning equation to relate depth and discharge (i.e., m = 5/3 and k
by Equation 5-6) (Morgali and Linsley, 1965; Aron and Erborge, 1973),

tc =

0.938 L0.6 n0.6

i 0.4 S 0.3

(5-13)

SURFACE RUNOFF 5-5

where tc is in minutes; L is ft; n can be read from Table 5-1; i is in in/hr and is
assumed to be uniform over the catchment; and S is in ft/ft. Note that because
the slope is considered to be constant over L, the time of concentration should
be computed and summed over relatively small topographic contour intervals.
Table 5-1: Manning roughness coefficients for overland flow surfaces
Surface description

Manning n

Concrete, asphalt

0.010 0.016

Bare sand

0.010 0.016

Gravel

0.012 0.030

Bare clay-loam (eroded)

0.012 0.033

Natural rangeland

0.010 0.320

Bluegrass sod

0.39 0.63

Short-grass prairie

0.10 0.20

Dense grass, Bermuda grass, bluegrass

0.17 0.48

Forestland

0.20 0.80

Since the time of concentration and rainfall intensity are both unknown,
application of Equation 5-13 is iterative. An initial intensity is assumed and the
corresponding value of tc is computed. The assumed value of i must be checked
by determining a new time of concentration based on intensity-durationfrequency (IDF) relationships and comparing the new value with that
previously computed. This process is repeated until values for intensity in
successive iterations converge. Overton and Meadows (1976) used a power law
to relate rainfall intensity and duration in order to bypass the need for this
iterative solution. By substituting the 2-year, 24-hour rainfall depth, P24, for i,
they proposed

tc =

0.42 L0.8 n 0.8

P240.5 S 0.4

(5-14)

where P24 is in inches and can be obtained from corresponding IDF data.
Since the kinematic wave model represented by Equations 5-13 and 5-14
was derived using Manning equation, it is inherently limited to turbulent flows.
Furthermore, the method assumes that no local inflow occurs; no backwater or
storage effects are present; the discharge varies only with depth; and that

5-6 CHAPTER FIVE

planar, non-converging flow predominates. Unfortunately, these assumptions

become less realistic as land slope decreases, surface roughness increases, or
the length of flow path increases (McCuen, 1998). Practical upper limits on
length range from 100 to 300 ft (30 to 90 m).
5.2.1.2 NRCS Methods
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), formerly the Soil
Conservation Service (SCS), has recommended two alternative methods for
estimating time of concentration. The first is based on a relationship for basin
lag time, defined as the time between the center of mass of rainfall and peak
discharge of the corresponding hydrograph. The agency estimated that time of
concentration is typically 5/3 of the lag time. Combining these two
relationships yields (SCS, 1986)

L0.8 [(1000 CN ) 9]
190S 1 2

0.7

tc =

(5-15)

where the curve number, CN, can be obtained from Chapter 3. For a highly
urban area, the time of concentration can be multiplied by an adjustment factor,
M, determined by

6.8 103 + 3.4 104 CN

M = 1 p
7
2
8
3

4
.
3
10
CN
2
.
2
10
CN

(5-16)

where p is the percent imperviousness or percent of main channels that are

hydraulically improved beyond natural conditions. The NRCS recommends that
Equation 5-15 be limited to homogeneous watersheds that have curve numbers
between 50 and 95 and that are smaller than 2,000 acres (800 ha).
The second method recommended by the NRCS is the upland method,
which can be expressed as

tc =

L
60V

(5-17)

where V is the velocity of overland flow in fps or m/s, which can be estimated
from Figure 5-1 based on land use and surface slope in percent. For cases
where the primary flow path can be divided into various segments having
different slopes or land uses, tc should be evaluated by

SURFACE RUNOFF 5-7

tc =

1
60

(L

j =1

Vj )

(5-18)

Slope (%)

where j refers to a particular flow segment.

Velocity (fps)

Figure 5-1: Velocities for use in the upland method (SCS, 1986)
An alternative to using Figure 5-1 is to express velocity as

V =K S

(5-19)

5-8 CHAPTER FIVE

where V is in fps; K is conveyance, listed in Table 5-2 for various surfaces; and
S is in ft/ft. The basis for these values, as well as the basis for Figure 5-1, are
various assumed combinations of flow geometry and surface roughness.
Table 5-2: Conveyance values for overland flow
Surface description

Forestland

0.7 2.5

Grass

1.0 2.1

Short-grass prairie

7.0

Natural rangeland

1.3

Paved area

20.4

Source: Adapted from McCuen (1998)

Care should be taken when applying Equation 5-19 for slopes that exceed
approximately four percent. In these instances, velocity profiles become more
complex and V tends to be overestimated.
5.2.1.3 Kirpich Equation
The Kirpich equation for time of concentration can be expressed as (Kirpich,
1940)

t c = 0.0078

L0.77
S 0.385

(5-20)

This relationship was originally developed from SCS data for well-defined and
relatively steep channels draining small- to moderate-sized watersheds (i.e., <
100 acres), but it often yields satisfactory results for overland flow on bare soils
and for areas up to 200 acres (80 ha). Note that for more general cases of
overland flow, Rossmiller (1980) recommends that tc be multiplied by an
adjustment factor 2.0. For concrete or asphalt surfaces, the adjustment factor
reduces to 0.4.
5.2.1.4 Izzard Equation
Based on a series of laboratory experiments by the Bureau of Public Roads,
Izzard (1946) proposed the following relationship for time of concentration for
roadway and turf surfaces:

SURFACE RUNOFF 5-9

tc =

41.025(0.0007i + c )L1 3
S 1 3i 2 3

(5-21)

where c is a retardance factor that ranges from 0.007 for smooth pavement to
0.012 for concrete and to 0.06 for dense turf. The method is designed for
applications in which the product of intensity (in/hr) and flow length (ft) is less
than 500. In addition, application of 5-21 requires an iterative solution, similar
to that of the kinematic wave model, since i is dependent on time of
concentration.
5.2.1.5 Kerby Equation
Kerby (1959) defined flow length as the straight-line distance from the most
distant point of a basin to its outlet, measured parallel to the surface slope.
Based on this definition, time of concentration can be evaluated as

0.83(nL)
S

0.47

tc =

(5-22)

This relationship is not commonly used and has the most limitations. It was
developed based on watersheds less than 10 acres (4 ha) in size and having
slopes less than one percent. It is generally applicable for flow lengths less than
1,000 ft (300 m).
5.2.1.6 FAA Method
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA, 1970) used airfield drainage data
assembled by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to develop an estimate for
time of concentration. The method has been widely used for overland flow in
urban areas and can be expressed as

tc =

0.39(1.1 C )L1 2
S1 3

(5-23)

where C is a dimensionless runoff coefficient, which can be obtained from

Table 5-3.

5-10

CHAPTER FIVE

Table 5-3: Runoff coefficients for 2 to 10 year return periods

Description of drainage area

Runoff coefficient

Business
Downtown
Neighborhood
Residential
Single-family
Multi-unit detached
Multi-unit attached

0.70 - 0.95
0.50 - 0.70

Suburban

0.25 - 0.40

Apartment dwelling

0.50 - 0.70

Industrial
Light
Heavy

0.50 - 0.80
0.60 - 0.90

Parks and cemeteries

0.10 - 0.25

Railroad yards

0.20 - 0.35

Unimproved areas

0.10 - 0.30

Pavement
Asphalt
Concrete
Brick

0.70 - 0.95
0.80 - 0.95
0.75 - 0.85

Roofs

0.75 - 0.95

Lawns
Sandy soils
Flat (2%)
Average (2 7 %)
Steep ( 7%)
Heavy soils
Flat (2%)
Average (2 7 %)
Steep ( 7%)

0.30 - 0.50
0.40 - 0.60
0.60 - 0.75

0.05 - 0.10
0.10 - 0.15
0.15 - 0.20
0.13 - 0.17
0.18 - 0.22
0.25 - 0.35

Source: Adapted from ASCE (1992)

5.2.1.7 Yen and Chow Method

Yen and Chow (1983) proposed the following expression for evaluation of time
of concentration:

SURFACE RUNOFF 5-11

NL
tc = K Y 1 2
S

0 .6

(5-24)

where KY ranges from 1.5 for light rain (i < 0.8 in/hr) to 1.1 for moderate rain
(0.8 < i < 1.2 in/hr), and to 0.7 for heavy rain (i > 1.2 in/hr); and N is an
overland texture factor, listed in Table 5-4.
Table 5-4: Overland texture factor N
Overland flow surface

Low

Medium

High

Smooth asphalt pavement

0.010

0.012

0.015

Smooth impervious surface

0.011

0.013

0.015

Tar and sand pavement

0.012

0.014

0.016

Concrete pavement

0.014

0.017

0.020

Rough impervious surface

0.015

0.019

0.023

Smooth bare packed soil

0.017

0.021

0.025

Moderate bare packed soil

0.025

0.030

0.035

Rough bare packed soil

0.032

0.038

0.045

Gravel soil

0.025

0.032

0.045

Mowed poor grass

0.030

0.038

0.045

Average grass, closely clipped sod

0.040

0.050

0.060

Pasture

0.040

0.055

0.070

Timberland

0.060

0.090

0.120

Dense grass

0.060

0.090

0.120

Shrubs and bushes

0.080

0.120

0.180

Low

Medium

High

0.014
0.022
0.020
0.025
0.030
0.040

0.022
0.035
0.035
0.040
0.055
0.075

0.035
0.050
0.050
0.060
0.080
0.120

Land use
Business
Semi-business
Industrial
Dense residential
Suburban residential
Parks and lawns
Source: Yen and Chow (1983)

5-12

CHAPTER FIVE

5.2.2

Channel Models
Overland flow eventually drains into defined channels, including street gutters,
swales, storm sewers, and streams, and corresponding methods for computing
time of concentration should be modified accordingly. For example, the Kirpich
equation is applicable to channel flow by omitting the adjustment factor for
overland flow. If, however, the channel is comprised of concrete or natural
grass, Rossmiller (1980) recommends that adjustment factors of 0.2 and 2.0,
respectively, be applied. Likewise, the NRCS upland method can be modified
by letting conveyance, K, in Equation 5-19 be
K=

Km R2 3

(5-25)

where R can be evaluated for a particular channel using the formulas listed in
Table 5-5, and n can be read from Table 5-6. By computing conveyance in this
manner, V in Equation 5-19 is essentially being evaluated via the Manning
equation for steady, uniform flow. In addition to these techniques, several
empirical methods have been developed for channel- and mixed-flow
conditions.
5.2.2.1 Van Sickle Equation
The Van Sickle equation was developed based on data from urban watersheds
having areas less than 36 mi2 (93 km2). The relationship can be expressed as
(McCuen, 1998)
LL
t c = 0.55 t 1 2m
S

0.13

(5-26)

where Lt is the length in miles of all channels and storm sewers having a
diameter greater than 3 ft (1 m), and Lm is the total length of the basin in miles.
5.2.2.2 Eagleson Equation
Eagleson (1962) derived the following expression for time of concentration
using data from basins having areas less than 8 mi2 (21 km2):
t c = 0.0111

Ln
R S1 2
23

(5-27)

SURFACE RUNOFF 5-13

where S and n are for the main collection sewer; and R is for the main channel
when flowing full.
Table 5-5: Common geometric properties of channel sections
Shape

Area
(A)

Wetted Perimeter
(P)

Hydraulic radius
(R)

Top width
(B)

By

B + 2y

By
B + 2y

(b + zy )y

b + 2y 1+ z2

Rectangular
y
b

Trapezoidala
y

(b + zy )y

b + 2 zy

b + 2y 1+ z2

Parabolicb

( )

2
By
3

b
Y

( )

B
1 + x 2 + x -1
2

4y
1 + x 2 + x-1
3

ln x + 1 + x 2

ln x + 1 + x 2

y
Y

Circularc

( sin )D
y

D
2

For triangular sections, use b = 0

x = 4y B
2y

use in radians, where = 2 cos 1 1

Source: Adapted from Chow (1959)

D
sin
1

D sin

or
2 y (D y )

5.2.2.3 Carter Equation

Time of concentration for basins comprised of natural channels and partially
sewered land uses can be evaluated by the Carter (1961) equation, expressed as

5-14

CHAPTER FIVE

t c = 100

L0m.6
S m0.3

(5-28)

where Lm and Sm are flow length in miles and surface slope in ft/mi,
respectively.
Table 5-6: Typical Manning roughness coefficients
Channel or conduit description

5.3

Brass, glass

0.010

PVC

0.009

Welded steel

0.012

Riveted steel

0.015

Cast iron

0.013

Galvanized iron

0.016

Corrugated metal

0.024

Concrete, Asphalt

0.013

Wood stave

0.012

Brick

0.015

Clay drainage tile

0.013

Gravel

0.023

Smooth earth

0.018 0.40

Natural channels, streams

0.025 - 0.08

PEAK-FLOW MODELS
Methods used to predict quantity of runoff are broadly categorized as either
peak-flow or continuous-flow models. Both models will be described in this
chapter. Continuous flow models estimate the variation of runoff over time.
Peak flow models estimate only peak runoff values, which is typically
sufficient for the design of many storm water conveyance systems. While
several models exist, the rational method is by far the most common method for
estimating peak runoff in urban applications.

SURFACE RUNOFF 5-15

5.3.1

Rational Method
The rational method is based on the principle that the maximum rate of runoff
from a drainage basin occurs when all parts of the watershed contribute to flow
and that rainfall is distributed uniformly over the catchment area.
The rational method is based on the principle that the maximum rate of runoff
from a drainage basin occurs when all parts of the watershed contribute to flow
and that rainfall is distributed uniformly over the catchment area. Since it
neglects temporal flow variation and routing of flow through a watershed,
storm water collection system, and any storage facilities, the rational method
should be used only for applications in which accuracy of runoff values is not
essential. The empirical rational formula can be expressed as
CiA
KR

Qp =

(5-29)

where Qp is peak runoff rate in cfs or m3/s; C is the dimensionless runoff

coefficient, listed in Table 5-3, that is used to adjust for rainfall abstractions; i is
rainfall intensity in in/hr or mm/hr for a duration equal to the time of
concentration; A is the drainage area in acres or hectares; and KR is a conversion
constant equal to 1.0 in U.S. customary units and 360 in S.I. units.
For non-homogeneous drainage areas having variable land uses, a
composite runoff coefficient, Cc, should be used in the rational formula. The
composite coefficient is expressed as
n

Aj

j =1

Cc =

(5-30)

Aj

j =1

where Aj is the area for land use j; Cj is the dimensionless runoff coefficient for
area j; and n is the total number of land covers. If Equation 5-30 is substituted
into Equation 5-29, the rational formula can be rewritten as
n

i
Qp =

j =1

Aj

(5-31)

KR

Application of the rational method is valid for drainage areas less than 200 ac
(80 ha), which typically have times of concentration of less than 20 minutes
(ASCE, 1992).

5-16

CHAPTER FIVE

5.3.2

NRCS TR-55 Method

The NRCS proposed the TR-55 method for estimating peak runoff using the
results from numerous small and mid-sized basins. The method is
recommended for homogeneous catchments in which curve numbers (see
Chapter 3) are greater than 50. The TR-55 method describes peak runoff as
Q p = qu APe F p

(5-32)

where Qp is in m3/s; qu is the unit peak discharge in m3/s per cm of runoff per
km2 of area; A is in km2; Pe is the 24-hour rainfall excess in cm for a given
return period; and Fp is a dimensionless adjustment factor (see Table 5-7) to
account for ponds and swamps that are not in the primary flow path. The depth
of runoff, Pe, is determined by the curve number method and can be expressed
as
Pe =

(P24 0.2 S r )2
P24 + 0.8 S r

for P24 > 0.2S r

(5-33)

where P24 is the 24-hour rainfall, and Sr is the potential maximum retention of
the soil. The parameter qu can be obtained from peak discharge curves provided
by the NRCS (SCS, 1986) or can be approximated by the empirical equation
log qu = C0 + C1 log t c + C 2 (log t c ) 2.366
2

(5-34)

when tc ranges from 0.1 to 10 hours. In Equation 5-34, tc is in hours and is

computed using one of the NRCS models described earlier. Regression
constants C0, C1, and C2 can be obtained in Table 5-8, in which Ia is the initial
abstraction, evaluated as
I a = 0.2 S r

(5-35)

When Ia/P24 < 0.1, values of C0, C1, and C2 corresponding to Ia/P24 = 0.1 should
be used, and if Ia/P24 > 0.5, values of C0, C1, and C2 corresponding to Ia/P24 =
0.5 should be used. The rainfall type (i.e., I, IA, II, and III) refers to geographic
regions shown in Figure 5-2.

SURFACE RUNOFF 5-17

Table 5-7: Pond and swamp adjustment factor

Percentage of pond
and swamp areas

Fp

0.0

1.00

0.2

0.97

1.0

0.87

3.0

0.75

5.0

0.72

Note: If > 5.0, consider routing runoff through ponds and swamps

Table 5-8: Constants for computing unit peak discharge

Rainfall
Type

IA

II

III

Ia/P24

C0

C1

C2

0.10
0.20
0.25
0.30
0.35
0.40
0.45
0.50
0.10
0.20
0.25
0.30
0.50
0.10
0.30
0.35
0.40
0.45
0.50
0.10
0.30
0.35
0.40
0.45
0.50

2.30550
2.23527
2.18219
2.10624
2.00303
1.87733
1.76312
1.67889
2.03250
1.91978
1.83842
1.72657
1.63417
2.55323
2.46532
2.41896
2.36409
2.29238
2.20282
2.47317
2.39628
2.35477
2.30726
2.24876
2.17772

-0.51429
-0.50387
-0.48488
-0.45695
-0.40769
-0.32274
-0.15644
-0.06930
-0.31583
-0.28215
-0.25543
-0.19826
-0.09100
-0.61512
-0.62257
-0.61594
-0.59857
-0.57005
-0.51599
-0.51848
-0.51202
-0.49735
-0.46541
-0.41314
-0.36803

-0.11750
-0.08929
-0.06589
-0.02835
0.01983
0.05754
0.00453
0.0
-0.13748
-0.07020
-0.02597
0.02633
0.0
-0.16403
-0.11657
-0.08820
-0.05621
-0.02281
-0.01259
-0.17083
-0.13245
-0.11985
-0.11094
-0.11508
-0.09525

5-18

CHAPTER FIVE

Rainfall type:
Type I
Type IA
Type II
Type III

Figure 5-2: Geographic regions for NRCS 24-hour rainfall distributions

(SCS, 1986)
5.3.3

USGS Regression Models

On behalf of the United States Geological Survey (USGS), Sauer et al. (1981)
evaluated data from nearly 270 urban watersheds to develop a series of
regression equations for peak discharge. The equations are applicable to basins
characterized as at least 15 percent residential, commercial, or industrial land
cover. For various return periods, they can be expressed as
UQ 2 = 2.35 A0.41 S L0.17 (P2 + 3 )

(ST + 8 )0.65 (13 DF )0.32 p 0.15 RQ 20.47

(5-36)

UQ5 = 2.70 A0.35 S L0.16 (P2 + 3 )

(ST + 8 )0.59 (13 DF )0.31 p 0.11 RQ50.54

(5-37)

UQ10 = 2.95 A0.32 S L0.15 (P2 + 3 )

(ST + 8 )0.57 (13 DF )0.30 p 0.09 RQ100.58

(5-38)

UQ 25 = 2.78 A0.31 S L0.15 (P2 + 3 )

(ST + 8 )0.54 (13 DF )0.29 p 0.07 RQ 250.60

(5-39)

2.04

1.86

1.75

1.76

SURFACE RUNOFF 5-19

UQ50 = 2.67 A0.29 S L0.15 (P2 + 3 )

1.74

(ST + 8 )0.53 (13 DF )0.28 p 0.06 RQ500.62

(5-40)

UQ100 = 2.50 A0.29 S L0.15 (P2 + 3 )

1.76

0.63
(ST + 8 )0.52 (13 DF )0.28 p 0.06 RQ100

(5-41)

0.63
(ST + 8 )0.54 (13 DF )0.27 p 0.05 RQ500

(5-42)

UQ500 = 2.27 A0.29 S L0.16 (P2 + 3 )

1.86

where UQi and RQi are the urban and rural peak discharges for return period i,
respectively, in cfs; A is in mi2; SL is the channel slope in ft/mi between points
that are 10 percent and 85 percent of the distance along the channel from the
basin outlet to the watershed boundary; P2 is the rainfall in inches for a 2-year,
2-hour storm; ST is the percent of basin storage found in lakes and reservoirs;
DF is a basin development factor that is indicative of drainage efficiency; and p
is the percentage of impervious cover.
In applying the USGS regression equations, RQ can be obtained from
USGS reports for the study area and DF can be obtained by qualitatively
evaluating drainage characteristics of the basin. With respect to the latter, the
basin is divided into three sub-basins, and the presence of the following four
conditions should be considered for each sub-basin: (1) channel improvements
(e.g., straightening or deepening); (2) impervious channel linings; (3) secondary
tributaries consisting of storm drains or sewers; and (4) urbanized conditions in
which streets and highways include curbs and gutters. For each of these, a zero
or one is assigned based on the whether the condition is less than or greater
than 50 percent prevalent, and the values are summed. For example, consider
three identical sub-basins, within which 60 percent of the main drainage
channel and tributaries have been improved and are lined with impervious
material, 20 percent of secondary tributaries consist of storm sewers, and 15
percent of the basin has been urbanized, with the majority of streets having
curbs and gutters. For each sub-basin, the first and second conditions would be
assigned values of unity, while conditions (3) and (4) would be assigned values
of zero. The corresponding value of DF is then 3 (1 + 1 + 0 + 0), or 6. Note
that the maximum and minimum bounds of DF are 12 and zero, respectively. A
value of zero, however, does not indicate that no effects of urbanization exist; it
merely indicates that the effects are not prevalent.
The watersheds used in development of the USGS regression equations
were all less than 100 mi2 (260 km2) and had slopes ranging from 3.0 to 70
ft/mi (0.6 m/km to 13 m/km). In addition, rainfall intensities evaluated were
less than 3.0 inches (75 mm). These values should be considered as estimated
limits of application.

5-20

CHAPTER FIVE

5.4

CONTINUOUS-FLOW MODELS
For larger watersheds in which channel storage may be significant, simple
peak-flow methods are not sufficient for the evaluation of runoff. In these
cases, response to rainfall events tends to be slower, and it is necessary to
evaluate the variation of runoff over time (i.e., the entire hydrograph).
Hydrographs are also necessary for watersheds in which significant variability
exists in land use (e.g., urbanization), soil types, or topography. In this respect,
unit hydrograph models are the most widely-used techniques for evaluating
runoff.

5.4.1

Unit Hydrograph Approach

A unit hydrograph is a linear conceptual model that can be used to transform
rainfall excess into a runoff hydrograph. By definition, it is the hydrograph that
results from 1 inch, or 1 cm in S.I. units, of rainfall excess generated uniformly
over the watershed at a uniform rate during a specified period of time. The
process by which an existing unit hydrograph is used with given storm inputs to
yield a direct runoff hydrograph is known as convolution. In discretized form,
the convolution equation can be expressed as (Chow et al., 1988)
Qn =

n M

P U
m

m =1

n m +1

for n = 1, 2,..., N

(5-43)

where Qn is a direct runoff hydrograph ordinate; Pm is excess rainfall at interval

m; and Un-m+1 represents the unit hydrograph ordinate. Subscripts n and m refer
to the runoff hydrograph time interval and precipitation time interval,
respectively. Note that if total rainfall data have been recorded, initial
abstractions, such as interception storage, depression storage, and infiltration
should be subtracted to define only the excess rainfall distribution. The curve
number method (see Chapter 3) is a popular technique for estimating rainfall
excess.
To develop a unit hydrograph from measured data, a gaged watershed
ranging in size from 1.0 and 1,000 mi2 (2.6 and 2,600 km2) should be selected.
Assuming that a sufficient number of rainfall-runoff records can be obtained for
the watershed, selection of specific events to use in the analysis should be made
in accordance with the following criteria (Viessman and Lewis, 1996):

Storms should have a simple structure (i.e., individually occurring)

with relatively uniform spatial and temporal rainfall distributions;
Direct runoff should range from 0.5 to 1.75 inches (1.25 to 4.5 cm);

SURFACE RUNOFF 5-21

Duration of the rainfall event should range from 10 to 30 percent of the

lag time, defined as the time from the midpoint of the excess rainfall to
the peak discharge; and
At least several storms that meet the previous criteria and that have a
similar duration of excess rainfall should be analyzed to obtain average
rainfall-runoff data.

Once data are selected, the measured time distribution of rainfall excess, P,
and direct runoff, Q, are applied within a reverse convolution, or
deconvolution, process to derive the unit hydrograph. Assuming there are M
discrete values of excess rainfall that define a storm event and N discrete values
of direct runoff, then from Equation 5-43, N equations can be written for Qn, n
= 1, 2, N, in terms of N M + 1 unit hydrograph ordinates (Mays, 2001). For
example,

Q1 = P1U 1

Q 2 = P2U 1 + P1U 2
...

Q M = PM U 1 + PM 1U 2 + ... + P1U M

Q M +1 = 0 + PM U 2 + ... + P2U M + P1U M +1

...

Q N 1 = 0 + 0 + ... + 0 + 0 + ... + PM U N M + PM 1U N M +1
Q = 0 + 0 + ... + 0 + 0 + ... + 0 + P U

M
N M +1

(5-44)

represents a set of N equations with N M + 1 unknowns that can be solved

algebraically or by matrix operators. As a final step, since averaged data was
used in the analysis, the unit hydrograph should be adjusted to ensure that the
distribution corresponds to 1 inch, or 1 cm, of direct runoff.
5.4.1.1 S-Hydrograph Method
Depending on the unit hydrograph application, the current duration of excess
rainfall may not be convenient. For example, it is necessary to divide the design
storm into a discrete number of time intervals. The duration that results from
basin parameters will often not evenly divide into the design storm duration. In
other cases, the effective duration may be of such magnitude that the number of
computations can be significantly reduced if a larger duration is used.
Fortunately, the S-hydrograph method can be used to convert a unit hydrograph
of any given duration into a unit hydrograph of any other effective duration.
The S-hydrograph, or S-curve, theoretically represents the response of a

5-22

CHAPTER FIVE

particular watershed to a constant rainfall excess for an indefinite period. It can

be derived by adding an infinite series of lagged unit hydrographs, as shown in
Figure 5-3. In application, the S-hydrograph computed with the td duration unit
hydrograph is first lagged by the desired duration, td. The difference between
the two S-curves is then multiplied by the ratio td/ td. The result is a new unit
hydrograph having an effective duration of td.

Discharge

S-hydrograph

Lagged unit hydrographs

td

Time

Figure 5-3: S-hydrograph method

5.4.2

Synthetic Unit Hydrographs

In many applications, the measured data required to develop a unit hydrograph
is unavailable or does not exist. In these cases, synthetic unit hydrograph
procedures can be used to develop unit hydrographs for ungaged locations in a
watershed or for other watersheds that have similar characteristics.
5.4.2.1 NRCS Dimensionless Unit Hydrograph
The NRCS dimensionless unit hydrograph, tabulated in Table 5-9 and
illustrated in Figure 5-4, was developed based on data from a large number of
watersheds (SCS, 1985). The dimensionless time and runoff ordinates can be
dimensionalized by multiplying the corresponding values (i.e., t/tp or Q/Qp) by
time from the beginning of excess rainfall to the time of peak discharge, tp, or
the peak runoff, respectively.

SURFACE RUNOFF 5-23

Table 5-9: NRCS dimensionless unit hydrograph

t/tp

Q/Qp

t/tp

Q/Qp

0.0

0.000

1.4

0.780

0.1

0.030

1.5

0.680

0.2

0.100

1.6

0.560

0.3

0.190

1.8

0.390

0.4

0.310

2.0

0.280

0.5

0.470

2.2

0.207

0.6

0.660

2.4

0.147

0.7

0.820

2.6

0.107

0.8

0.930

2.8

0.077

0.9

0.990

3.0

0.055

1.0

1.000

3.5

0.025

1.1

0.990

4.0

0.011

1.2

0.930

4.5

0.005

1.3

0.860

5.0

0.000

Source: SCS (1985)

1
0.8

Q/Qp

0.6
0.4
0.2
0
0

t/t p

Figure 5-4: NRCS dimensionless unit hydrograph (SCS, 1985)

5-24

CHAPTER FIVE

Based on NRCS recommendations, time-to-peak discharge is a function of

and highly sensitive to time of concentration. The relationship between these
variables can be expressed as
tp =

2
tc
3

(5-45)

where tc should be computed using one of the NRCS formulas discussed

previously and Qp in cfs/in or m3/s/m is defined as
Qp =

KpA
tp

(5-46)

where A is in mi2 or km2; Kp is a constant equal to 484 in U.S. customary units

and 2.08 in S.I. units; and tp is given in hours. The time associated with the
recession limb of the unit hydrograph, or time from peak discharge to the end
of direct runoff, can be approximated multiplying tp by 4.0. Note that the
resulting synthetic unit hydrograph is applicable only for an effective duration
of excess rainfall, td, given as (SCS, 1985)
t d = 0.133t c

(5-47)

In addition, the NRCS dimensionless hydrograph assumes that 3/8 of the total
runoff volume occurs before the time at which the peak discharge occurs. In
mountainous regions, more than 3/8 of runoff volume may occur under the
rising limb, causing the constant in Equation 5-46 (i.e., Kp) may increase to
values near 600. For flat, marshy areas, the constant may be less than 300
(McCuen, 1998).
5.4.2.2 NRCS Triangular Unit Hydrograph
The NRCS triangular unit hydrograph, as shown in Figure 5-5, is an
approximation to the NRCS dimensionless unit hydrograph. The time-to-peak
discharge, peak flow, and effective rainfall duration are determined using
Equations 5-45 through 5-47. The only difference from the curvilinear method
is that the time from peak discharge to the end of direct runoff is equal to
1.67tp. The triangular hydrograph is attractive because of its simplicity: only
three parameters are needed to define the entire unit hydrograph.

SURFACE RUNOFF 5-25

Qp

tp

1.67tp

Figure 5-5: NRCS triangular unit hydrograph (SCS, 1985)

5.4.2.3 Snyder Unit Hydrograph
Based on a study of watersheds located in the Appalachian mountains, the
method proposed by Snyder (1938) for unit hydrograph synthesis is derived
from relationships between the characteristics of a standard unit hydrograph
and descriptors of basin morphology. It relates the time from the centroid of the
excess rainfall to the peak of the unit hydrograph (i.e., lag time) to geometric
characteristics of the basin in order to derive critical points for interpolating the
unit hydrograph. Lag time is evaluated by
t L = C1Ct (LLCA )

0. 3

(5-48)

where tL is in hours; C1 is a constant equal to 1.0 in U.S. customary units and

0.75 in S.I. units; Ct is an empirical watershed storage coefficient, which
generally ranges from 1.8 to 2.2; L is the length of the main stream channel in
mi or km; and LCA is the length of stream channel from a point nearest the
center of the basin to the outlet, or other point of interest, in mi or km.
The standard duration of excess rainfall is computed empirically by
td =

tL
5.5

(5-49)

Adjusted values of lag time, tLa, for other durations of rainfall excess can be
obtained by

5-26

CHAPTER FIVE

t La = t L + 0.25 (t da t d )

(5-50)

where tda is the alternative unit hydrograph duration. Time-to-peak discharge

can be computed as a function of lag time and duration of excess rainfall,
expressed as
t p = t La + 0.5t da

(5-51)

The corresponding peak discharge, Qp is

Qp =

C2 C p A

(5-52)

t La

where Qp is in cfs/in or m3/s/m; C2 is a constant equal to 640 in U.S. customary

units and 2.75 in S.I. units; A is in mi2 or km2; tLa is in hours; and Cp is an
empirical constant ranging from 0.5 to 0.7. Note that coefficients Ct and Cp are
regional parameters that should be calibrated or be based on values obtained for
similar gaged drainage areas. The ultimate shape of Snyders unit hydrograph is
primarily controlled by two parameters, W50 and W75, representing widths of the
unit hydrograph at discharges equal to 50 and 75 percent of the peak discharge,
respectively. These shape parameters can be evaluated by
A
= C 50
Qp

A
W75 = C75
Qp

W 50

1.08

(5-53)

and
1.08

(5-54)

where C50 is a constant equal to 770 in U.S. customary units and 2.14 in S.I.
units, and C75 is a constant equal to 440 in U.S. customary units and 1.22 in S.I.
units. The location of the end points for W50 and W75 are often placed such that
one-third of both values occur prior to the time-to-peak discharge and the
remaining two-thirds occur after the time to peak. Finally, the base time, tb, or

SURFACE RUNOFF 5-27

time from beginning to end of direct runoff, should be evaluated such that the
unit hydrograph represents 1 inch (or 1 cm in S.I. units) of direct runoff
volume. However, a rough estimate for tb for small watersheds is three to five
times the time-to-peak discharge. With known values of tp, Qp, W50, and W75,
along with the adjusted base time, one can then locate a total of seven unit
hydrograph ordinates, as shown in Figure 5-6.

td
Excess rainfall

tL

Qp
0.75Qp

W75

0.5Qp

W50

Synthetic unit
hydrograph

tp
tb
Figure 5-6: Snyder unit hydrograph
5.4.2.4 Clark Unit Hydrograph
Time-area methods attempt to relate travel time to a portion of a watershed that
may contribute runoff during that time. One of the most common time-area
techniques is that derived by Clark (1945). This method explicitly represents
the processes of translation and attenuation, the two key factors in
transformation of excess rainfall to a runoff hydrograph. Translation refers to
the movement by gravity, without storage effects; whereas attenuation refers to
the reduction of runoff magnitude due to resistance forces and the storage
effects of the soil, channel, and land surfaces. The method is based on the
concept that translation of flow through the watershed can be described by
runoff isochrones and the corresponding histogram of contributing area versus
time, as shown in Figure 5-7. Isochrones are lines of equal travel time and
describe the fraction of watershed area contributing runoff to the watershed
outlet as a function of travel time. For example, Figure 5-7 shows that the
number of sub-areas contributing runoff varies throughout a rainfall event, with

CHAPTER FIVE

full contribution from all areas for t t6. Note that each sub-area is delineated
so that all precipitation falling on it has the same time of travel to the outflow
point.
Developing a time-area curve for a watershed can be difficult in practice.
For those watersheds that lack a time-area relationship, HEC-HMS developed
by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers uses the following relationship (HEC,
2000):
1 .5

t
t
1.414 for t c

2
Ac ,t

tc
=

1. 5
AT

tc
t
1 1.414 1 for t >
tc
2

(5-55)

where Ac,t is the cumulative watershed area contributing at time t, and AT is the
total watershed area. If the sub-areas (i.e., Ai) are multiplied by a unit depth of
excess rainfall and divided by t, the computational time step, the result is a
translated hydrograph that represents inflow to a conceptual linear reservoir
located at the watershed outlet.

A6
A5
t6

A4
Area

5-28

A3

t5
t4

A1

A2
t3

t2

A1
t1

A2 A3 A4 A5 A6
t1

t2

t3 t4
Time

t5

t6

Figure 5-7: Time-area isochrones and histogram for Clarks method

To account for attenuation, the translated hydrograph is routed through the

conceptual linear reservoir, assumed to possess storage properties similar to

SURFACE RUNOFF 5-29

those of the watershed. The routing model is based on a mass balance equation,
expressed as
dS T
= I t Qt
dt

(5-56)

where dST/dt is time rate of change of water in storage, and It and Qt are average
inflow and outflow, respectively, at time t. For a linear reservoir model, storage
at a particular time is related to outflow by
ST = K s Q

(5-57)

where Ks is a constant that represents storage effects of the watershed and is

often approximated by the watershed lag time, tL. Combining and solving
Equations 5-56 and 5-57 using a simple finite difference approximation leads to
Qt = C1 I t + C2Qt 1

(5-58)

where C1 and C2 are routing coefficients evaluated by

C1 =

t
K s + 0.5 t

(5-59)

and
C2 = 1 C1

(5-60)

The average outflow during period t is

Qt =

Q t 1 + Q t
2

(5-61)

If the inflow ordinates are runoff from a unit depth of excess rainfall, the
average outflows derived by Equation 5-61 represent Clarks unit hydrograph
ordinates. Clarks unit hydrograph is, therefore, obtained by routing a unit
depth of direct runoff to a channel in proportion to the time-area curve and

5-30

CHAPTER FIVE

routing the resulting discharge through a linear reservoir. Note that solution of
Equations 5-58 and 5-61 is a recursive process. As such, average outflow
ordinates of the unit hydrograph will theoretically continue for an infinite
duration. It is, therefore, customary to truncate the recession limb of the unit
hydrograph at a point where outflow volume exceeds 0.995 inches or cm.
Clarks method is based on the premise that the duration of the rainfall excess is
infinitesimally small. Because of this, Clarks unit hydrograph is referred to as
an instantaneous unit hydrograph (IUH). The IUH is highly indicative of
watershed storage characteristics since rainfall-duration effects are essentially
eliminated. In practical applications, it is usually necessary to transform the
IUH into a unit hydrograph of specific duration. This can be accomplished by
lagging the IUH by the desired duration and averaging the ordinates.
5.4.2.5 Tri-Triangular Unit Hydrograph
The tri-triangular method, depicted in Figure 5-8, is frequently used to derive
rainfall dependent inflow/infiltration (RDII) flows for urban drainage systems.
The technique involves summing the corresponding ordinates of up to three
triangular hydrographs to derive a single unit hydrograph. Each of the three
triangular hydrographs has its own characteristic parameters: time-to-peak flow,
ti, a recession constant, Ki, and fraction of the total excess rainfall volume
allocated to the triangle, i.
The three triangular hydrographs are conceptual representations of different
components of direct runoff or RDII. The first triangle represents rapidly
responding components such as contributions from pavements and rooftops, or
direct inflow or rapid infiltration into separate sewer systems. The third triangle
represents slow runoff components such as ground water contributions or slow
infiltration into sewers. The second triangle represents runoff or infiltration
with a medium time response. The time-to-peak flow for the first hydrograph
typically varies between 1 and 2 hours, depending on the size of the tributary
area, and t values for the second hydrograph ranges from 4 to 8 hours. For the
third, the parameter varies greatly depending on the infiltration characteristics
of the system being modeled, but generally range from 10 to 24 hours.
Recession constants typically range from 2 to 3 for the first triangle and from 2
to 4 for the second and third hydrographs.
5.4.2.6 Espey-Altman Unit Hydrograph
Espey and Altman (1978) evaluated 10-minute unit hydrographs resulting from
a series of rainfall excesses over 41 watershed ranging in size from 9 acres to
15 mi2 (4 ha to 39 km2). The unit hydrographs were used to derive the
following empirical relationships:

SURFACE RUNOFF 5-31

Synthetic unit hydrograph

Triangular hydrographs

2
3

t1

t2

t1 K1
t3

t2 K2

t3 K3

Figure 5-8: The tri-triangular unit hydrograph

t p = 3 .1

L0.23 1.57
S 0.25 p 0.18

Q p = 31.62 10 3

t b = 125.89 10 3

W50 = 16.22 10 3

A0.96
t 1p.07
A

Q 0p.95
A0.93
Q 0p.92

(5-62)

(5-63)

(5-64)

(5-65)

5-32

CHAPTER FIVE

W75 = 3.24 10 3

A0.79
Q 0p.78

(5-66)

where L is in ft; is a dimensionless conveyance factor that ranges from 0.8 for
concrete lined channels to 1.3 for natural channels (Bedient and Huber, 2002);
S is channel slope in ft/ft for the lower 80 percent of the flow path; p is percent
imperviousness; A is in mi2; and other terms are as previously defined, with tp,
tb, W50, and W75 in minutes and Qp is cfs/in. The location of the end points for
W50 and W75 are assigned so that one-third of both values occur prior to tp and
the remaining two-thirds occur after tp. With characteristics of the watershed
known, Equations 5-62 through 5-66 can be used to locate seven points that
comprise the Espey-Altman synthetic unit hydrograph, similar to that shown in
Figure 5-6.
5.4.2.7 Colorado Urban Hydrograph
The Colorado Urban Hydrograph Procedure (CUHP) is an adaptation of
Snyders unit hydrograph based on data for Colorado urban watersheds ranging
in size from 100 to 200 acres (40 to 80 ha) (UDFCD, 1984). The technique is
commonly used in the state of Colorado to derive unit hydrographs for urban
and rural watersheds that have areas ranging from 90 acres to 5 mi2 (36 ha to 13
km2). Whenever a larger watershed is studied, it is recommended tha the basin
be subdivided into subcatchments of 5 mi2 (13 km2) or less. The shape of the
CUHP unit hydrograph is determined based on physical characteristics of the
watershed. The method incorporates the effects of watershed size, shape,
percentage of imperviousness, length of the primary drainage channel, slope,
and other factors.
To apply the method, lag time of a watershed is determined by

LL
t L = C t CA
S

0.48

(5-67)

where tL is in hours; L is length in miles along the drainageway from the outlet
or other point of interest to the upstream watershed boundary; LCA is channel
length in miles from a point nearest the center of the basin to the outlet; S is the
length weighted average slope of the catchment along the drainage path; and Ct
is an empirical coefficient. Once the lag time is determined, the time-to-peak
flow can be obtained by adding 0.5td to the lag time in consistent units. Peak
flow rate is computed as

SURFACE RUNOFF 5-33

Qp =

640 C p A

(5-68)

tp

where Qp is in cfs; A is in mi2; Cp is a unit hydrograph peaking coefficient and

is determined by
(5-69)

C p = P f C t A 0 .15

where Pf is peaking parameter. Ct and Pf are defined in terms of percent

impervious, p, of the catchment as
Ct = ap 2 + bp + c

(5-70)

Pf = dp 2 + ep + f

(5-71)

and

The regression coefficients a, b, c, d, e, and f are defined in terms of p in Table

5-10. The capability of the CUHP to account for percent imperviousness can be
viewed as a certain improvement over Snyders method.
Table 5-10: CUHP coefficients as a function of percent imperviousness
p

p 10

0.0

-0.00371

0.163

0.00245

-0.012

2.16

10 p 40

2.3x10-5

-0.00224

0.146

0.00245

-0.012

2.16

-0.000801

0.120

-0.00091

0.228

-2.06

p 40

3.3x10

-5

The widths of the unit hydrograph at 50 and 75 percent of the peak are
estimated as

W50 =

and

500
Qp

(5-72)

5-34

CHAPTER FIVE

W75 =

260
Qp

(5-73)

where W50 and W75, defined in Figure 5-6, are in hours; Qp is in cfs; and A
is in mi2. As a general rule, the smaller of 0.35W50 and 0.6tp is assigned to the
left of tp at 50 percent of the peak flow, and 0.65W50 is assigned to the right of
the peak flow. The width assigned to the left tp at 75 percent of the peak flow
depends on the case used for allocation of W50. If 0.35W50 was assigned to the
left at 50 percent of the peak flow, then 0.45W75 is allocated to the left side at
75 percent of the peak flow. Otherwise, the left width at 75 percent of the peak
flow will be 0.424tp. The right side of the peak, however, is always equal to
0.55W75.
5.4.2.8 Delmarva Unit Hydrograph
The Delmarva unit hydrograph (Welle et al., 1980) is an adaptation of the
NRCS dimensionless unit hydrograph to better represent the runoff
characteristics of the Delmarva Peninsula, which consists of the states of
Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia. The flat topography of the Delmarva
Peninsula and availability of considerable surface storage causes the shape of
observed storm hydrographs to be significantly different from those generated
using the NRCS unit hydrographs. The Delmarva unit hydrograph produces
lower peak flow rate than the NRCS unit hydrographs, but yields the same flow
volume. The dimensionless time (i.e., t/tp) and runoff ordinates (i.e., Q/Qp) for
the Delmarva unit hydrograph are given in Table 5-11 and Figure 5-9.
The Delmarva unit hydrograph uses Equation 5-46 to estimate peak flow
rate. When compared with peak flow estimation for the NRCS unit
hydrographs, however, the constant Kp is set to 284 (U.S. customary units) for
the Delmarva unit hydrograph. Thus, peak flow is expressed as
Qp =

284 A
tp

(5-74)

where Qp is peak flow rate in cfs; A is area of the watershed in mi2; and tp is
time to peak of the unit hydrograph in hours calculated according to Equation
5-45. The time base of the Delmarva unit hydrograph is approximately 10tp.

SURFACE RUNOFF 5-35

Table 5-11: Delmarva unit hydrograph

t/tp

Q/Qp

t/tp

Q/Qp

0.0

5.0

0.109

0.2

0.111

5.2

0.097

0.4

0.356

5.4

0.086

0.6

0.655

5.6

0.076

0.8

0.896

5.8

0.066

1.0

6.0

0.057

1.2

0.929

6.2

0.049

1.4

0.828

6.4

0.041

1.6

0.737

6.6

0.033

1.8

0.656

6.8

0.027

2.0

0.584

7.0

0.024

2.2

0.521

7.2

0.021

2.4

0.465

7.4

0.018

2.6

0.415

7.6

0.015

2.8

0.371

7.8

0.013

3.0

0.331

8.0

0.012

3.2

0.296

8.2

0.011

3.4

0.265

8.4

0.009

3.6

0.237

8.6

0.008

3.8

0.212

8.8

0.008

4.0

0.19

9.0

0.006

4.2

0.17

9.2

0.006

4.4

0.153

9.4

0.005

4.6

0.138

9.6

0.005

4.8

0.123

10.0

Source: Welle et al. (1980)

5-36

CHAPTER FIVE

Q/Qp

0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
0

10

t/tp

Figure 5-9: Delmarva unit hydrograph (Welle et al., 1980)

5.4.3

Santa Barbara Urban Hydrograph

The Santa Barbara Urban Hydrograph (SBUH) model was developed for the
Santa Barbara County Flood Control and Water Conservation District
(Stubchaer, 1980). The method combines runoff from impervious and pervious
regions to develop a direct runoff hydrograph, which is subsequently routed
through a conceptual reservoir that delays outflow by a period equal to the time
of concentration. Application begins by computing the instantaneous runoff
(i.e., reservoir inflow), I, expressed as
I = A[ipi + ie (1.0 pi )]

(5-75)

where A is the basin area; i is rainfall intensity; pi is the fraction of

imperviousness; and ie is the average excess rainfall rate over t. The runoff
hydrograph is then obtained by
t
(I t 1 + I t 2Qt 1 )
Qt = Qt 1 +
2t c + t

(5-76)

where Qt and Qt-1 are ordinates of the resulting runoff hydrograph at times t and
t-1, respectively, and It and It-1 are instantaneous runoff rates at t and t-1,
respectively. The primary limitation of the SBUH model is that the calculated

SURFACE RUNOFF 5-37

peak flow cannot occur after rainfall ceases. This may at times be problematic,
particularly for short-duration storms over large, flat watersheds.
5.4.4

San Diego Modified Rational Hydrograph

As previously described, the rational method is a widely used technique for
estimation of peak flow. In addition to peak flows, water resources applications
such as the design of detention basins require knowledge of the runoff
hydrograph to determine total inflow volume. Adopted by the San Diego
County, the San Diego modified rational hydrograph derives a direct runoff
hydrograph using the peak flow estimated using rational formula (see Equation
5-29) for watersheds no larger than 1 mi2 in size.
The San Diego modified rational hydrograph is developed to work with a
6-hour storm event. The method starts by creating a rainfall distribution of the
6-hour storm whereby each rain block lasts for a duration equal to the time of
concentration. To distribute the storm event, first, the center of the peak rainfall
block is placed at the 4-hour position. Then, the other blocks are placed using
the so called (2/3, 1/3) approach in which rainfall blocks are distributed in a
sequence, alternating two blocks to the left and one block to the right of the 4hour time. Rainfall depth for each rainfall block is calculated as

PN = 0.124 P6 hr ( Ntc )0.355 (( N 1 )tc )0.355

(5-77)

where PN is rainfall depth for each rainfall block in inch or mm; P6-hr is sixhour storm depth in inch or mm; tc is time of concentration in minutes; and N is
an integer representing position of a given rainfall block. N is 1 for the peak
rainfall block, and is assigned according to the (2/3, 1/3) distribution rule for
other rainfall blocks.
Once the rainfall distribution is established, a triangular hydrograph is
developed for each block of rain. Peak flow for the triangular hydrograph is
determined using the rational formula, and the time base of the hydrograph will
be 2tc. Finally, the runoff hydrograph for the 6-hr storm event is determined by
adding all the triangular hydrographs from each block of rain. The final
hydrograph will have its peak at 4 hours plus half of the tc, and total volume
under the hydrograph will be the product of runoff coefficient, the six-hour
precipitation depth and the subcatchment area.
5.4.5

Nonlinear Reservoir Model

The nonlinear reservoir model simulates a watershed as a shallow reservoir in
which inflow is equal to the rainfall excess and outflow, Q, is a nonlinear

5-38

CHAPTER FIVE

function of the depth of flow. The difference between inflows and outflow then
represents the rate of storage (i.e., Equation 5-56). The method proposed by
Huber and Dickinson (1988), which is based on the Manning equation,
describes outflow as

Q=

Km B
( y y d )5 3 S 1 2
n

(5-78)

where Km is a constant equal to 1.49 in U.S. customary units and 1.0 in S.I.
units; B is the representative width of the basin; n is the Manning roughness
coefficient, which can be read from Table 5-1; y and yd are water depth and
depression storage, respectively; and S is watershed slope in ft/ft or m/m.
Incorporating Equation 5-78 into a mass balance on inflows and outflows yields

K BS 1 2 y1 + y 2
y 2 y1

= ie m
yd

An 2
t

53

(5-79)

y1 and y2 are depths at the beginning and end of the time step, t, and ie is the
excess rainfall intensity during the same period. Note that this expression
requires an iterative solution for y2, which can then be used with Equation 5-78
to evaluate Q.
5.4.6

Kinematic-Wave Model
As discussed earlier in Section 5.2.1.1, the kinematic wave equation (i.e.,
Equation 5-7) is based on a combination of the full continuity equation and the
momentum equation for steady, uniform flow. As a result, it is limited to cases
in which flow attenuation is not significant. For such circumstances, unit width
flow at a basin outlet can be computed by substituting Equation 5-10 into 5-2,
which yields
q = k (it )

(5-80)

where i is, for the time being, assumed to be constant. This relationship,
however, applies only to the rising limb of the hydrograph. The full temporal
distribution of runoff requires an additional comparison between the duration of
rainfall excess, td, and the time of concentration, tc. The reasoning here is that
when rainfall ceases, intensity approaches zero and any accumulation on
upstream portions of the basin travel to the outlet at a rate equal to the

SURFACE RUNOFF 5-39

kinematic wave celerity, ck, defined in Equation 5-8. Integration of that

equation beyond td yields an implicit relationship for q, expressed as
L

q
m k1 m q m 1 m (t t d ) = 0
i

(5-81)

Three cases are possible in considering tc and td (Gupta, 2001)

1. When tc = td, the recession limb begins at t = tc. Up to tc, discharge is
evaluated by Equation 5-80. The recession portion of the hydrograph is
found using Equation 5-81, substituting tc for td.
2. When tc < td, the discharge will initially rise according to Equation 5-80
up to tc. Between tc and td, flow will remain constant at the outlet, and
beyond td, Equation 5-81 applies.
3. When tc > td, discharge is evaluated by Equation 5-80 up to t = td.
Thereafter, it will remain constant from td to tk, expressed as
t t
t k = t r + d c
m t d

(5-82)

After tk the recession limb is computed by Equation 5-81.

Applications in which rainfall intensity is not constant or when flow enters
a well-defined channel, an analytical solution to the kinematic wave equation is
not available and a numerical solution is required. In these cases, the
corresponding model can be expressed as
Q A
+
= qL
x t

(5-83)

Q = k Am

(5-84)

and

where x is longitudinal distance, and qL is lateral inflow per unit length of

channel. Thus, the kinematic wave equation can be expressed as
Q 1 Q
+
= qL
x ck t

(5-85)

5-40

CHAPTER FIVE

or in terms of flow area,

ck

A A
+
= qL
x t

(5-86)

where the wave celerity ck is defined as

ck = k mA m1 =

Q
A

(5-87)

Because of the limits with respect to flow attenuation, the application of the
kinematic wave equation works best for short, well-defined channel reaches,
such as those typically found in urban drainage systems. Additional detail
regarding numerical solution of the kinematic wave equation can be found in
Chapter 6.

5.5

SOLVED PROBLEMS

Problem 5.1 Time of concentration (kinematic wave)

Consider a 20-acre urban drainage basin that consists predominantly (i.e., 75
percent) of asphalt pavement. The average overland flow path is characterized
as having a length and slope of 1,200 ft and 0.016 ft/ft, respectively. If rainfall
1.75
in/hr, where td is the duration in hours,
intensity is described as
(0.285 + t d )
estimate the time of concentration for the basin.

Solution
Assuming n = 0.013 and i = 3.00 in/hr, Equation 5-13 can be written as
0.938(1200 )

(0.013)0.6
(3.00 )0.4 (0.016 )0.3
0.6

tc =

= 10.86 min

Equating the time of concentration and the storm duration, the corresponding
rainfall intensity is
i=

in
1.75
= 3.82
10.36
hr

0.285 +

60

SURFACE RUNOFF 5-41

The value of tc is recomputed based on the newly-computed rainfall intensity,

and the process is repeated until values of i converge. The following
summarizes the solution, which yields a time of concentration of 9.77 min.
Assumed i
(in/hr)
3.00

ti
(min)
10.86

Computed i
(in/hr)
3.82

3.82

9.86

3.89

3.89

9.79

3.90

3.90

9.78

3.91

3.91

9.77

3.91 (OK)

This result should be viewed in light of the fact that the given length exceeds
practical upper limits (i.e., 100 to 300 ft) on the kinematic wave equation. A
means of overcoming this limitation is to divide the primary overland flow path
into shorter segments and sum the corresponding times of concentration.
Problem 5.2 Time of concentration (NRCS method)
Solve Problem 5.1 using the NRCS lag equation for computing time of
concentration.

Solution
Assuming CN = 98, the NRCS lag equation can be expressed as

tc =

(1200 )0.8 1000 9

98
12
190(0.016 )

0.7

= 13.77 min

This result can be adjusted by factor M (i.e., Equation 5-16). For 75 percent
imperviousness,

6.8 10 3 + 3.4 10 4 (98 )

= 0.874
M = 1 75
2
3
7
8

(
)
(
)

4
.
3
10
98
2
.
2
10
98

Therefore, tc is 13.77 0.874, or 12.00 min.

5-42

CHAPTER FIVE

Problem 5.3 Time of concentration (upland method)

Solve Problem 5.1 using the NRCS upland method.

Solution
For a paved area and S = 1.6 percent, Figure 5-1 yields a velocity of
approximately 2.5 fps. Alternatively, from Table 5-2, K = 20.4, and velocity
can be computed as
V = 20.4 0.016 = 2.6 fps

Using the latter value, time of concentration can be computed by

tc =

1200
= 7.69 min
60(2.6 )

Problem 5.4 Time of concentration (Kirpich)

Solve Problem 5.1 using the Kirpich equation.

Solution
Equation 5-20 can be written as

t c = 0.0078

(1200 )0.77
(0.016 )0.385

= 9.00 min

For an asphalt surface, Rossmiller (1980) recommends an adjustment factor of

0.4, which yields tc = 9 0.4 or 3.60 min.
Problem 5.5 Time of concentration (Izzard)
Solve Problem 5.1 using the Izzard equation for computing time of
concentration.

Solution
Assuming a duration of 10 minutes, consistent with that determined using the
kinematic wave equation,

SURFACE RUNOFF 5-43

i=

1.75
10

0.285 +
60

= 3.87

in
hr

Note that iL = (3.87)(1200) = 4,644, which is greater than the value of 500
recommended for use of the equation. Therefore, Izzards equation does not
apply to this basin/storm event.
Problem 5.6 Time of concentration (Kerby)
Solve Problem 5.1 using the Kerby equation for computing time of
concentration.

Solution
Assuming n = 0.013, Equation 5-22 can be written as

0.83(0.013 1200)

0.47

tc =

= 23.87 min

0.016

Note that general limits of the Kerby equation are exceeded in this problem
(i.e., L > 1,000 ft, S > 0.01 ft/ft, and A > 10 acres); thus, results should be
questioned.
Problem 5.7 Time of concentration (FAA)
Solve Problem 5.1 using the FAA method.

Solution
Assuming C = 0.9, Equation 5-23 is expressed as
0.39(1.1 0.9 )(1200 )

12

tc =

(0.016 )1 3

= 10.72 min

Problem 5.8 Time of concentration (Yen and Chow)

Solve Problem 5.1 using the Yen and Chow equation for computing time of
concentration.

Solution
Assuming KY = 0.7 and N = 0.012,

5-44

CHAPTER FIVE

(0.012)(1200 )

t c = 0.7
(0.016 )1 2

0.6

= 11.99 min

Comments: Based on results from Problems 5.1 through 5.8, time of

concentration values range from 3.6 to 23.87 minutes, depending on the method
of computation. A more realistic range based on limits of methods used is 9 to
12 minutes. This variability, however, does demonstrate the importance of
critically evaluating results prior to use in design applications.
Problem 5.9 Time of concentration (Kirpich)
Assume that the watershed described in Problem 5.1 drains into a rectangular,
concrete channel that is 200 ft long. If the 1-ft wide channel is laid on a slope of
0.5 percent and flows at a depth of 1 ft, evaluate the time of concentration using
the Kirpich method.

Solution
From Problem 5.4, the overland flow tc is 3.60 minutes. For the channel,
assuming an adjustment factor of 0.2,

(200 )0.77 = 0.71 min

tc = 0.2 0.0078
(0.005 )0.385

The total time of concentration is 3.60 + 0.71 or 4.31 min.

Problem 5.10 Time of concentration (upland method)
Solve Problem 5.9 using the NRCS upland method.

Solution
From Problem 5.3, the overland flow tc is 7.69 minutes. For the rectangular
channel, assuming n = 0.013,

K R2 3

K
S = m By
V = K S = m

n B + 2 y
n
1.49 (1)(1)

0.013 1 + 2(1)

23

S =

23

0.005 = 3.90 fps

SURFACE RUNOFF 5-45

Subsequent application of Equation 5-17 yields

tc =

200
= 0.85 min
60(3.90 )

The total time of concentration is 7.69 + 0.85 or 8.54 min.

Problem 5.11 Time of concentration (Carter)
Solve Problem 5.9 using the kinematic wave equation for overland flow and the
Carter equation for channel flow.

Solution
Application of the kinematic wave equation yields an overland flow time of
concentration of 9.77 minutes. Application of Equation 5-28 yields
0.6

1
200

5280 ft mi

t c = 100
= 5.25 min
(0.005 5280 ft mi )0.3
Therefore, total time of concentration is 9.77 + 5.25 or 15.02 min.
Problem 5.12 Time of concentration (upland method)
Assume that the parabolic channel section shown in Figure P5-12 flows at an
average depth, y, of 0.5 m. The Manning roughness and slope of the channel are
0.015 and 0.02 m/m, respectively. For a longitudinal length of 100 m, evaluate
the travel time associated with flow through the channel.

Figure P5-12

Solution
Using the geometric properties in Table 5-5 with b = 2.0 m, y = 0.5 m, and Y =
1.0 m,

5-46

CHAPTER FIVE

B=b

y
= 2 0.5 = 1.41
Y

x=

4y
= 2 y = 2 0.5 = 1.41
B

R=

4 (0.5 )
1 + 1.412 + 1.41-1 ln 1.41 + 1 + 1.412
3

= 0.263 ft

Substituting expressions for R into Equations 5-25 and 5-19 yields,

K R2 3
1.0
S =
(0.263)2 3 0.02 = 3.87 fps
V = K S = m

0
.
015
n

Then, assuming tc travel time,

tc =

200
= 0.86 min
60 (3.87 )

Problem 5.13 Time of concentration (upland method)

Evaluate the travel time associated with a 24-in diameter, 300-ft long cast iron
pipe flowing at a depth of 5.5 inches and laid on a slope of 0.004 ft/ft.

Solution
Assuming n = 0.013 and using Table 5-5,

= 2 cos 1 1

2y
2(5.5 )
1
= 2 cos 1
= 2.0 rad
D
24

(
sin )D 2 (2.0 sin 2.0 )(2 )2
A=
=
8

R=

= 0.545 ft 2

D
sin 2
sin 2.0
1
= 1
= 0.273 ft
4
4
2.0

Flow velocity is computed by

SURFACE RUNOFF 5-47

K R2 3
1.49
S=
(0.273)2 3 0.004 = 3.05 fps
V = K S = m

0.013
n
and the travel time (i.e., time of concentration) is
tc =

300
= 1.64 min
60(3.05 )

Note that the corresponding discharge is evaluated by the Manning equation

(i.e., Equation 5-3), or alternatively
Q = VA = (3.05 )(0.545 ) = 1.66 cfs

Problem 5.14 Rational method

A new 7-ac suburban development is to be drained by a storm sewer that
connects to a municipal drainage system. The time of concentration for the
basin is 15 minutes, and the local IDF relationship can be approximated as
( i = 5.6 0.2t d ), where td is rainfall duration in hours. Estimate the peak runoff
using the rational method.

Solution
Rainfall intensity can be computed using the given IDF relationship
in
15
i = 5.6 0.2 = 5.55
60
hr

Assuming a runoff coefficient of 0.4, peak discharge is computed using

Equation 5-29, written as
Qp =

(0.4 )(5.55 )(7 ) = 15.5 cfs

1 .0

Problem 5.15 Rational method

Evaluate how peak flow changes if the development described in Problem 5.14
consists of two smaller subbasins: one has a drainage area of five acres and a
runoff coefficient of 0.4, while the other drains two acres and has a runoff
coefficient of 0.7. Compare the answer to that if the entire basin is characterized
by a median runoff coefficient of 0.55.

5-48

CHAPTER FIVE

Solution
The composite runoff coefficient for the two subbasins is computed from
Equation 5-30, written as
Cc =

(0.4 5 ) + (0.7 2 ) = 0.49

7

Peak discharge is computed by

Qp =

(0.49 )(5.55 )(7 ) = 19.0 cfs

1 .0

which represents more a 20 percent increase in flow. If the median runoff

coefficient (C = 0.55) is used, Qp rises to 21.3 cfs. This represents a 12 percent
increase simply by averaging land use characteristics. The implication is that
use of composite coefficients prevents unnecessary oversizing of drainage
facilities.
Problem 5.16 TR-55 method
A 3.0-km2 watershed having 0.5 percent pond/swamp area has a curve number
of 80, and tc equal to 1.6 hours. Estimate the peak discharge for a NRCS Type 1
24-hour rainfall of 15.2 cm (6.0 in).

Solution
From Chapter 3, potential maximum retention can be evaluated by
Sr =

1000
1000
10 =
10 = 2.5 in = 6.35 cm
80
CN

For P24 = 15.2 cm, the depth of rainfall excess is

Pe =

(P24 0.2 S r )2
P24 + 0.8 S r

[15.2 0.2(6.35 )]2

15.2 + 0.8 (6.35 )

= 9.57 cm

Interpolating from Table 5-7 for 0.5 percent pond/swamp area yields Fp = 0.91.
Furthermore, by definition,
Ia
0.2 S r 0.2(6.35 )
=
=
= 0.084
P24
P24
15.2

SURFACE RUNOFF 5-49

Since, Ia/P24 < 0.1, values of C0, C1, and C2 corresponding to Ia/P24 = 0.1 and a
Type I rainfall are read from Table 5-8. These values are C0 = 2.30550, C1 =
-0.51429, and C2 = -0.11750. Then, for tc = 1.6 hours, application of Equation
5-34 yields
log qu = 2.30550 + ( 0.51429 )log 1.6 + ( 0.11750 )(log 1.6 ) 2.366
2

Solving for the unit peak discharge yields qu = 0.676 (m3/s)/cm/km2. Finally,
peak discharge is computed by Equation 5-32, expressed as
Q p = qu APe Fp = (0.676 )(3.0 )(9.57 )(0.91) = 17.66

m3
= 623 .7 cfs
s

Problem 5.17 USGS regression equations

Consider a 15-mi2 watershed having a slope of 30 ft/mi and a 2-year, 2-hour
rainfall of 2.0 in. In its current state, watershed storage is 4 percent, DF equals
3, and 15 percent of the basin is impervious. Over the next 25 years, storage is
expected to increase to 6 percent, DF will rise to 9, and 25 percent of the basin
will be impervious. For a return period of 50 years, evaluate peak discharge for
current and future conditions. Assume that RQ for the same return period is
3,500 cfs.

Solution
Under current conditions,
UQ50 = 2.67 (15 )

0.29

(30 )0.15 (2 + 3 )1.74 (4 + 8 )0.53 (13 3 )0.28 15 0.06 3500 0.62

= 4 ,181 cfs

In 25 years, discharge will increase to

UQ50 = 2.67 (15 )

0.29

(30 )0.15 (2 + 3 )1.74 (6 + 8 )0.53 (13 9 )0.28 25 0.06 3500 0.62

= 5 ,135 cfs
which represents more than a 20 percent increase in peak flow.
Problem 5.18 Convolution
Given the rainfall excess and 1-hour unit hydrograph (UH) below, evaluate the
corresponding direct runoff hydrograph. Assume a constant 0.3 in/hr rate of
abstractions.

5-50

CHAPTER FIVE

Time (hr)

Intensity (in)

0.5

1.0

1.7

0.5

UH (cfs/in)

100

320

450

370

250

160

90

40

Solution
The number of rainfall excess intervals, M, is equal to 4. Subtracting
abstractions from total rainfall yields four 1-hour rainfall pulses as follows: P1
= 0.2 in, P2 = 0.7 in, P3 = 1.4 in, and P4 = 0.2 in. In addition, there are 8 unit
hydrograph ordinates, so N M + 1 = 8, and the number of direct runoff
hydrograph ordinates, N, will be 8 + M 1 = 11. Applying Equation 5-43 to the
first time interval, n = 1, runoff is evaluated as
Q1 = P1U 1 = (0.2 )(100 ) = 20 cfs

For the second and third intervals, n = 2 and 3,

Q2 = P1U 2 + P2U 1 = (0.2 )(320 ) + (0.7 )(100 ) = 134 cfs

and
Q3 = P1U 3 + P2U 2 + P3U 1 = (0.2 )(450 ) + (0.7 )(320 ) + (1.4 )(100 ) = 454 cfs

Formulation of similar equations will continue until n = N = 11. Referring to

the summary of computations in Table P5-18, note that Column 3 shows the
direct runoff hydrograph resulting from P1 = 0.2 in; Column 4 shows the direct
runoff from P2 = 0.7 in; etc. Column 7 shows the total direct runoff hydrograph
from the cumulative rainfall event. Each ordinate in the column is equivalent to
the sum of ordinates across each row.
Problem 5.19 Deconvolution
Given the excess rainfall distribution and resulting direct runoff hydrograph
from Problem 5.18, apply deconvolution to evaluate the corresponding, original
1-hour unit hydrograph.

Solution
The number of rainfall excess intervals, M, is equal to 4, and the number of
direct runoff ordinates, N, is eleven. Therefore, there will be 8 unit hydrograph
ordinates (i.e., N M + 1 = 8). From Equation 5-44, a total of eleven equations
can be written in terms of 8 unknowns, as follows:

SURFACE RUNOFF 5-51

(1)

(2)

Time, n
(hr)

Unit
hydrograph
ordinates
(cfs/in)

Table P5-18
(3)
(4)

(5)

(6)

(7)

0.5

Direct
runoff
(cfs)

Rainfall (in)
0.5

1.0

1.7

Excess rainfall (in)

0.2

0.7

1.4

0.2

100

20

20

320

64

70

134

450

90

224

140

454

370

74

315

448

20

857

250

50

259

630

64

1003

160

32

175

518

90

815

90

18

112

350

74

554

40

63

224

50

345

28

126

32

186

10

56

18

74

11

12

Q1 = P1U 1
Q 2 = P2U 1 + P1U 2
...
Q4 = P4 U 1 + P3U 2 + P2U 3 + P1U 4
Q5 = P4 U 2 + P3U 3 + P2U 4 + P1U 5
...
Q10 = P4 U 7 + P3U 8
Q11 = P4 U 8

Only the first eight equations are needed to solve for the unknown unit
hydrograph ordinates. As an example, consider n = 1 and 2,

5-52

CHAPTER FIVE

U1 =

Q1 20
=
= 100 cfs/in
P1 0.2

U2 =

Q 2 P2U 1 134 0.7 (100 )

=
= 320 cfs/in
P1
0 .2

Remaining computations proceed in a similar manner. Table P5-19 provides a

summary of computations and lists the unit hydrograph in Column 3.
Table P5-19
(1)

(2)

Time
(hr)

Direct runoff
(cfs)

0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

0
20
134
454
857
1003
815
554
345
186
74
8
0

(3)
Unit
hydrograph
(cfs/in)
0
100
320
450
370
250
160
90
40
0
-

Problem 5.20 S-hydrograph

Convert the 1-hour unit hydrograph provided in Problem 5.18 to a 4-hour unit
hydrograph using the S-hydrograph method.

Solution
Table P5-20 summarizes the evaluation of the new unit hydrograph. Specific
entries in the table are as follows:
Columns 1 and 2: The current 1-hour unit hydrograph
Column 3: Represents an indefinite series of unit hydrographs, each lagged
by the current duration; for illustrative purposes, only three unit
hydrographs are shown

SURFACE RUNOFF 5-53

Column 4: 1-hour S-curve found by summing values in Columns 2 and 3

Column 5: S-curve from Column 4 lagged by the new duration of 4 hours
Column 6: Difference between the current and lagged S-curves
Column 7: The 4-hour unit hydrograph is computed by multiplying the
values in Column 6 by the ratio of the current duration to the desired
duration, or 0.25
Table P5-20
(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

(7)

Time
(hr)

1-hr UH
(cfs/in)

Lagged 1-hr UH
(cfs/in)

1-hr
S-curve
(cfs/in)

Lagged
S-curve
(cfs/in)

Difference
(cfs/in)

4-hr UH
(cfs/in)

100

100

100

25

320

100

420

420

105

450

320

100

870

870

218

370

450

320

100

1240

1240

310

250

370

450

320

1490

100

1390

348

160

250

370

450

1650

420

1230

308

90

160

250

370

1740

870

870

218

40

90

160

250

1780

1240

540

135

40

90

160

1780

1490

290

73

10

40

90

1780

1650

130

33

11

40

1780

1740

40

10

12

1780

1780

Problem 5.21 NRCS dimensionless unit hydrograph

Derive the NRCS unit hydrograph for a 10-mi2 watershed having an average
slope of 0.025 ft/ft. The hydraulic flow length from the catchment boundary to
the outlet is 2.5 mi (13,200 ft), and the basin is characterized by a curve number
of 80.

Solution
Time of concentration, tc, is computed using the NRCS lag equation, or

5-54

CHAPTER FIVE
0.8 1000

(13200)
9
80
tc =
12
190(0.025)

0.7

= 158.3 min = 2.6 hrs

Time-to-peak discharge, tp, unit hydrograph base time, tb, peak discharge, Qp,
and effective duration, td, are computed as follows:
tp =

2
(2.6 ) = 1.7 hrs
3

( )

tb = 4.0 t p + t p = 5(1.7 ) = 8.5 hrs

Qp =

484 (10 )
= 2847 cfs/in
1. 7

t d = 0.133(2.6 ) = 0.35 hrs

The 0.35-hour unit hydrograph, as shown in Figure P5-21, can be derived by

multiplying values in Table 5-9 by respective values of tp and Qp.
Problem 5.22 NRCS triangular unit hydrograph
For the basin described in Problem 5.21, evaluate the NRCS triangular unit
hydrograph.

Solution
Using results from Problem 5.21, the base time for the triangular unit
hydrograph is
t b = 1.67 (t p ) + t p = 2.67 (1.7 ) = 4.5 hrs

Thus, the 0.35-hour, triangular unit hydrograph is made by plotting points (0

hrs, 0 cfs/in), (1.7 hrs, 2847 cfs/in) and (4.5 hrs, 0 cfs/in), as shown in Figure
P5-22.
Problem 5.23 Snyder unit hydrograph
Using Snyders method, derive a 1-hour synthetic unit hydrograph for the basin
described in Problem 5.21. Assume that LCA = 1 mi, Ct = 1.9, and Cp = 0.6.

SURFACE RUNOFF 5-55

3000

Discharge (cfs/in)

2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
0

Time (hrs)

Figure P5-21
3000

Discharge (cfs/in)

2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
0

4
Time (hrs)

Figure P5-22

Solution
Lag time is computed using Equation 5-48.

5-56

CHAPTER FIVE

t L = 1.0 (1.9 )[(2.5 )(1.0 )]

0 .3

= 2.5 hrs

From Equation 5-49, the duration of rainfall excess is

td =

2 .5
= 0.45 hrs
5 .5

However, the desired duration, tda, is 1 hour, so the lag time should be adjusted
according to Equation 5-50.
t La = 2.5 + 0.25 (1.0 0.45 ) = 2.64 hrs

Equations 5-51 and 5-52 can be used to determine the time-to-peak discharge,
tp, and peak discharge, Qp.
t p = 2.64 + 0.5(1.0 ) = 3.14 hrs

Qp =

640 (0.6 )(10 )

= 1455 cfs/in
2.64

The unit hydrograph widths at discharges equal to 50 and 75 percent of the

peak discharge are
10
W50 = 770

1455

1.08

= 3.55 hrs

and
10
W75 = 440

1455

1.08

= 2.03 hrs

The unit hydrograph base time, tb, is computed by finding that which
guarantees an area under the curve equivalent to 1 inch of rainfall excess. For A
in mi2, Qp in cfs, and W50 and W75 in hours,
t + W50 Q p W75 + W50 Q p W75 Q p
(hr - cfs )
+
+
1 in = b

2
4 2 4
2 2
1 1 mi 2 12 in

2
2
A (5280 ) ft 1 ft

Solving for tb yields

3600 sec

1 hr

SURFACE RUNOFF 5-57

t b = 2581

A
10
1.5W50 W75 = 2581
1.5(3.55 ) 2.03 = 10.4 hrs
Qp
1455

A total of seven coordinates are now known and can be used to define the
resulting unit hydrograph shown in Figure P5-23. From the starting point of
(0,0) (i.e., A), the remaining points are as follows:
W

B t p 50 , 0.5Q p = (1.96 ,728 )

3

C t p 75 , 0.75Q p = (2.46 , 1091)

3

D (t p , Q p ) = (3.14 , 1455 )
2

E t p + W75 , 0.75Q p = (4.49 , 1091)

3

F t p + W50 , 0.5Q p = (5.51,728 )

3

G (t b ,0 ) = (10.4 , 0 )

Discharge (cfs/in)

1500

D
C

1000

500

0
0

6
Time (hrs)

Figure P5-23

10

12

5-58

CHAPTER FIVE

Problem 5.24 Clark unit hydrograph

Use Clarks method to develop a 1-hour unit hydrograph for the watershed
described in Problem 5.21. Assume tc = 3 hours and a storage coefficient of
0.6tc.

Solution
For an assumed time increment, t, of 0.5 hours, Table P5-24 summarizes
application of Clarks method; specific entries are explained as follows:
Column 1: Time intervals from the beginning of excess rainfall
Column 2: Cumulative watershed area that contributes flow to the outlet at
time t, obtained using Equation 5-55. For example, at t = 1 hour,
Ac ,t = 10 640

mi 2
1
1.414
ac
3

1.5

= 1741.6 ac

Column 3: Area of the watershed, in acres, that starts contributing flow to

the outlet within the current time interval. This area can be plotted over
time to produce the time area histogram, shown in Figure P5-24a.
Column 4: Inflow generated, obtained by multiplying values in Column 3
by 1-inch of rainfall excess, and dividing the result by t. For example,
inflow at t = 1 hour is 1125.9 ac 1 in / 0.5 hrs. Note that 1ac-in/hr 1 cfs.
2000

Area (ac)

1600

1200

800

400

0.5

1.0

1.5

Time (hrs)

Figure P5-24a

2.0

2.5

3.0

SURFACE RUNOFF 5-59

Column 5: Outflow ordinates are obtained by routing the inflow

hydrograph through a linear reservoir using Equation 5-58. The storage
coefficient, Ks, is 0.6tc = 1.8 hours. Then,
C1 =

0.5
= 0.244
1.8 + 0.5 0.5

C 2 = 1 0.244 = 0.756

Therefore,
Qt = 0.244 I t + 0.756 Qt 1

For example, at t = 1 hour,

Qt = (0.244 )(2251.8 ) + (0.756 )(300.5 ) = 776.6 cfs in

As previously discussed, since runoff ordinates will theoretically continue

for an infinite duration, it is customary to truncate the hydrograph when
discharge volume exceeds 0.995 inches. As such, only the first twenty
ordinates are given in Table P5-24.
Table P5-24
(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

Time
(hr)

Ac,t
(ac)

A
(ac)

It
(cfs/in)

Qt
(cfs/in)

QIUH
(cfs/in)

0
615.7
1741.6
3199.5
4658.4
5784.3
6400
6400
6400
6400
6400
6400
6400
6400
6400
6400
6400
6400
6400
6400
6400

0
615.7
1125.9
1457.9
1458.9
1125.9
615.7
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

0.0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
3.5
4.0
4.5
5.0
5.5
6.0
6.5
7.0
7.5
8.0
8.5
9.0
9.5
10.0

0
1231.4
2251.8
2915.8
2917.8
2251.8
1231.4
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

0
300.5
776.6
1298.6
1693.7
1829.9
1683.9
1273.0
962.4
727.6
550.1
415.9
314.4
237.7
179.7
135.9
102.7
77.6
58.7
44.4
33.6

0
150.3
538.6
1037.6
1496.2
1761.8
1756.9
1478.5
1117.7
845.0
638.9
483.0
365.2
276.1
208.7
157.8
119.3
90.2
68.2
51.6
39.0

(7)
Lagged
QIUH
(cfs/in)
0
0
0
150.3
538.6
1037.6
1496.2
1761.8
1756.9
1478.5
1117.7
845
638.9
483
365.2
276.1
208.7
157.8
119.3
90.2
68.2

(8)
Q1-hr
(cfs/in)
0
75.2
269.3
594.0
1017.4
1399.7
1626.6
1620.2
1437.3
1161.8
878.3
664.0
502.1
379.6
287.0
217.0
164.0
124.0
93.8
70.9
53.6

5-60

CHAPTER FIVE

Column 6: Clarks instantaneous unit hydrograph ordinates obtained by

averaging the values in Column 5 over the computational time step (i.e.,
application of Equation 5-61).
Column 7: Represents Clarks unit hydrograph lagged by the desired
duration, equal to one hour.
Column 8: Ordinates of the 1-hour synthetic unit hydrograph, shown in
Figure 5-24b, obtained by averaging ordinates of the original and lagged
hydrographs. For example, the ordinate value of the resulting unit
hydrograph at t = 1 is the average 538.6 and 0 cfs, or 269.3 cfs.
1800

Discharge (cfs/in)

1500
1200
900
600
300
0
0

10

Time (hrs)

Figure P5-24b
Problem 5.25 Tri-triangular unit hydrograph
Use the tri-triangular unit hydrograph method to derive a 1-hour synthetic unit
hydrograph for an 10-mi2 watershed. Assume that 1, 2, and 3 are 30, 50,
and 20 percent, respectively; t1, t2, and t3 are 1, 4, and 12 hours, respectively;
and K1, K2, and K3 are 2, 3, and 3.

Solution
Assuming that 1 inch of rainfall excess is collected over the 1-hour duration,
the total volume of runoff generated from the watershed is the product of depth
and basin area, expressed as
1
2
3
(10 )(5280 ) = 23,232 ,000 ft
12

SURFACE RUNOFF 5-61

The volume of direct runoff allocated to the first triangle (i.e., the triangle
representing fastest responding components of the watershed) is

(1 )(23,232 ,000 ) = (0.3)(23,232 ,000 ) = 6 ,969 ,600

ft 3

The volumes associated with the second and third triangles, computed in a
similar manner, are 11,616,000 and 4,646,400 ft3, respectively. The base time
for the first triangle is
tb1 = t1 + t1 K 1 = 1 + (1)(2 ) = 3 hrs

Similarly, the base times for the second and third triangles are tb2 = 16 hours
and tb3 = 48 hours. Finally, the peak flow for each triangle is computed as
Q p1 =

2 1 2 6 ,969 ,600
= 1,290.6 cfs in
=
Tb1
3 60 60

Q p2 =

2 2 2 11,616 ,000
= 403.3 cfs in
=
Tb 2
16 60 60

Q p3 =

2 3 2 4 ,646 ,400
= 53.8 cfs in
=
Tb 3
48 60 60

With the times to peak discharge, base times, and peak flows of each triangle,
the resulting 1-hour unit hydrograph, shown in Figure P5-25, is generated by
aggregating ordinates of the three triangles at any time t.
1500

Discharge (cfs/in)

1200
900
600
300
0
0

10

20
Time (hr)

Figure P5-25

30

40

5-62

CHAPTER FIVE

Problem 5.26 Espey-Altman unit hydrograph

Use the Espey-Altman method to derive a 10-minute synthetic unit hydrograph
for a 10-mi2 watershed The length and slope of the primary channel is 2.5 mi
(13,200 ft) and 0.025 ft/ft, respectively. Assume the basin is 30 percent
impervious and that = 0.8.

Solution
Time-to-peak discharge and peak flow are computed from Equations 5-62 and
5-63, expressed as

(13200 ) (0.8 ) = 26.4 min = 0.44 hr

L0.23 1.57
= 3 .1
0.25 0.18
S p
(0.025 )0.25 (30 )0.18
0.23

t p = 3 .1

1.57

and

(10 )
A0.96
= 31.62 10 3
= 8687 cfs in
1.07
tp
(26.4 )1.07
0.96

Q p = 31.62 10 3

The shape of the hydrograph is defined by base time, W50, and W75, or
A

t b = 125.89 10 3

Q 0p.95

W50 = 16.22 10 3

W75 = 3.24 10 3

= 125.89 10 3

10

(8687 )0.95

= 228.1 min = 3.80 hr

(10 )
A0.93
= 16.22 10 3
= 32.8 min = 0.55 hr
0.92
Qp
(8687 )0.92
0.93

(10 )
A0.79
= 3.24 10 3
= 16.9 min = 0.28 hr
0.78
Qp
(8687 )0.78
0.79

Similar to the solution to Problem 5.23, these values yield a total of seven
coordinates of the resulting unit hydrograph, shown in Figure P5-26.
Problem 5.27 Colorado urban hydrograph
Using the Colorado urban hydrograph procedure, develop the 1-hour unit
hydrograph for a 0.25 mi2 watershed having an average slope of 0.025 ft/ft.
Assume that LCA = 0.2 mi, L = 0.4 mi, and that 30 percent of the basin is
impervious.

SURFACE RUNOFF 5-63

Discharge (cfs/in)

9000

6000

3000

0
0

Time (hr)

Figure P5-26

Solution
Using coefficients from Table 5-10, application of Equations 5-70 and 5-71 for
Ct and Pf yields

C t = ap 2 + bp + c = 2.3 10 5 (30 ) (0.00224 )(30 ) + 0.146 = 0.0995

2

Pf = dp 2 + ep + f = (0.00245 )(30 ) (0.012 )(30 ) + 2.16 = 4.005

2

The peaking coefficient is computed by

C p = P f C t A 0 .15 = (4 . 005 )(0 . 0995 )(0 . 25 )

0 . 15

= 0 . 32

From Equation 5-67, the lag time of the watershed is

LL
t L = Ct CA
S

0.48

(0.4 )(0.2 )
= 0.0995

0.025

and the time to peak is

t p = 0.072 + (0.5 )(1) = 0.572 hrs

0.48

= 0.072 hrs

5-64

CHAPTER FIVE

Peak flow is computed from Equation 5-68, expressed as

Qp =

640 C p A
tp

640 (0.32 )(0.25 )

= 89.5 cfs / in
0.572

The widths of the unit hydrograph at 50 and 75 percent of the peak are
computed from Equations 5-72 and 5-73, written as
W50 =

W75 =

500
500
= 1.40 hrs
=
Q p 89.5

A 0.25
260
260
= 0.73 hrs
=
Q
89
p .5

A 0.25

Finally, W50 and the W75 must be distributed around the peak. For W50, the
width to the left side of the peak flow is the smaller of 0.35W50 (i.e., 0.49 hours)
and 0.6tp (0.34 hours); thus the latter is chosen. Similarly, 0.65W50 (i.e., 0.91
hours) is assigned to the right-hand side. For W75, 0.424tp (0.24 hours) is
assigned to the left, and 0.55W75 (i.e., 0.40 hours) is assigned to the right.
Finally, the base time of the unit hydrograph is determined so that the area
under the curve corresponds to 1-inch of rainfall excess. As in Problem 5-23,
for A in mi2, Qp in cfs, and W50 and W75 in hours, tb can be evaluated by
t b = 2581

A
0.25
1.5W50 W75 = 2581
1.5(1.40 ) 0.73 = 4.38 hrs
Qp
89.5

The resulting unit hydrograph is illustrated in Figure P5-27.

Problem 5.28 Delmarva unit hydrograph
Develop a Delmarva unit hydrograph for the basin described in Problem 5.21.

Solution
Similar to NRCS unit hydrographs, time of concentration, tc, is computed using
the NRCS lag equation, expressed as

SURFACE RUNOFF 5-65

(13200)
9
80
tc =
12
190(0.025 )
0.8 1000

0.7

= 158.3 min = 2.6 hrs

100

Discharge (cfs/in)

80
60
40
20
0
0

Time (hr)

Figure P5-27
Time-to-peak discharge, tp, and duration of effective rainfall, td, are computed
using same equations as that of the NRCS unit hydrographs.
tp =

2
(2.6 ) = 1.7 hrs
3

t d = 0.133(2.6 ) = 0.35 hrs

Unit hydrograph base time, tb, and peak discharge, Qp, are computed as follows:

( )

tb = 9.0 t p + t p = 10 (1.7 ) = 17 hrs

Qp =

284 (10 )
= 1670.59 cfs/in
1. 7

The 0.35-hour unit hydrograph is obtained by multiplying values in Table 5-11

by respective values of tp and Qp, and is shown in Figure P5-28. Note that

5-66

CHAPTER FIVE

volume of runoff under the unit hydrograph is equal to drainage area times an
inch of rainfall depth.
2000

Discharge (cf s)

1600
1200
800
400
0
0

10

15

20

Time (hrs)

Figure P5-28
Problem 5.29 Santa Barbara urban hydrograph
A 1-mi2 watershed has a time of concentration equal to 55 minutes, and 40
percent of the basin is impervious. For the rainfall event described below,
compute the direct runoff hydrograph.
Time (min)

10

20

30

Rainfall intensity (in/hr)

Rainfall excess (in/hr)

Solution
Assuming a time increment of 10 minutes, instantaneous runoff can be
computed from Equation 5-75, expressed as
2

ft
1 hr
1 min

1 ft
I = 1 5280 [i (0.4 ) + ie (1.0 0.4 )]

mi

12 in 60 min 60 sec
Runoff is evaluated by Equation 5-76, written as

SURFACE RUNOFF 5-67

10
Qt = Qt 1 +
(I t 1 + I t 2Qt 1 )
2(55 ) + 10

Beginning with I1 = Q1 = 0, these two expressions are applied sequentially to

obtain the direct runoff hydrograph. Table P5-29 summarizes the solution and
lists the resulting hydrograph in Column 5. For illustrative purposes, discharge
ordinates are shown only for 150 minutes after rainfall begins.
Table P5-29
(1)
Time
(min)
0
10.0
20.0
30.0
40.0
50.0
60.0
70.0
80.0
90.0
100.0
110.0
120.0
130.0
140.0
150.0

(2)
i
(in/hr)
0
8
5
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

(3)
ie
(in/hr)
0
6
4
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

(4)
It
(cfs)
0
4388.0
2839.3
1548.7
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

(5)
Qt
(cfs)
0
365.7
907.0
1121.5
1063.6
886.3
738.6
615.5
512.9
427.4
356.2
296.8
247.3
206.1
171.8
143.2

Problem 5.30 San Diego modified rational hydrograph

A 1-mi2 watershed has a time of concentration of one hour and runoff
coefficient of 0.85. Assuming a 6-hour precipitation of two inches, derive a
direct runoff hydrograph for the watershed using San Diego modified rational
hydrograph.

Solution
The precipitation depth should be distributed across the 6-hour duration. Each
rainfall block will have duration of the time of concentration. Therefore, the

CHAPTER FIVE

number of rainfall blocks will be six (i.e., 6 hrs/1 hr).

Rainfall depth (PN) for each of the blocks is determined using Equation 5-77 as

[
[ 120 )
= 0.124 (2 )(

P1 = 0.124 (2 )(60 )

0.355

P2

((1 1)60 )

0.355

0.355

((2 1)60 )

] = 1.01 in
] = 0.03 in

0.355

Likewise, P3 = 0.21 in; P4 = 0.21 in; P5 = 0.14 in; and P6 = 0.13 in.
The peak rainfall block (i.e, P1) would be placed at hour 4, and the other blocks
are arranged according to the (2/3, 1/3) rule as shown in Figure P5-30a.
For each rainfall block, peak flow is estimated using rational formula where
rainfall intensity is determined for the blocks from the depths given above. For
the peak rainfall block (i.e., P1), for example, peak runoff would be
in

Q1 = 0.85 1.01 (640 ac ) = 549 cfs

hr

Following the same approach, peak flow corresponding to the other rainfall
blocks would be Q2 = 163 cfs; Q3 = 114 cfs; Q4 = 114 cfs; Q5 = 76 cfs; and Q6 =
70 cfs.
1.01

Rainfall (in)

5-68

0.30

P1

0.21

P2
0.14

P4

P3
P5

0.065
0

Time (hrs)

Figure P5-30a

P6

SURFACE RUNOFF 5-69

A triangular unit hydrograph with peak ordinate equal to the peak flows
computed above and time base of 2tc is constructed for each rainfall block. The
triangular hydrographs are then aggregated as shown in Figure P5-30b to
generate the final direct runoff hydrograph.

Di scharge (cfs)

600

400

200

0
0

Time (hrs)

Figure P5-30b
Problem 5.31 Nonlinear reservoir model
A 5-ac (217,800 ft2) catchment has an average slope of 0.01 ft/ft and is
characterized by a Manning roughness of 0.20. The basin is approximately 400ft wide, and depression storage is estimated as 0.3 in. For the 20-min rainfall
excess described below, evaluate the runoff from the basin.
Time (min)

05

5 - 10

10 - 15

15 - 20

Rainfall excess (in/hr)

Solution
With t equal to 5 minutes (300 seconds), Equation 5-79 can be written as
53

K m BS 1 2 y1 + y 2

yd =
y 2 = y 1 + t i e

An 2

53
12
1
1
1 (1.49 )(400 )(0.01) y1 + y 2 0.3

y1 + 300 ie

(217800 )(0.20 ) 2
12
12 60 60

5-70

CHAPTER FIVE

For given values of y1, this expression is solved iteratively for y2 = y over time.
The corresponding runoff is then computed by Equation 5-78, written as
K B
(1.49 )(400 ) y 0.3
53
Q = m ( y yd ) S 1 2 =

n
0.20
12

53

(0.01)1 2

For example, for t = 5 to 10 minutes, y1 = 0.05 ft, and ie = 5 in/hr. y2 is found to

be 0.083 ft, and at this depth, application of Equation 5-76 yields Q = 2.590 cfs.
Table P5-31 summarizes runoff results for the first hour. Beyond t = 60
minutes, discharge continues to gradually decrease, eventually reaching zero.
Table P5-31
(1)
Time
(min)
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60

(2)
ie
(in/hr)
3
5
3
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

(3)
y
(ft)
0.000

(4)
Runoff
(cfs)
0.000

0.050

0.637

0.083

2.590

0.099

3.887

0.101

4.064

0.096

3.628

0.091

3.212

0.087

2.894

0.083

2.590

0.080

2.370

0.077

2.159

0.074

1.955

0.071

1.760

Problem 5.32 Kinematic wave model

Rain falls at a rate of 4 cm/hr on a 100 m 100 m parking lot having a slope of
0.015 m/m and a Manning roughness of 0.025. Evaluate the resulting
hydrograph if the rainfall duration is 5 minutes.

SURFACE RUNOFF 5-71

Solution
For a unit width,

k =

Km 1 2
(1) (0.015 )1 2 = 4.9
S =
0.025
n

and m = 5/3. Then, noting that 4 cm/hr is equivalent to 1.11110-5 m/s, time of
concentration is computed from Equation 5-12, written as

tc =
k i m1

1m

100
=

5
4.9 1.111 10

0.667

0.6

= 586.9 sec = 9.78 min

Since tc > td, the unit width discharge from t = 0 to t = 5 min is computed by
Equation 5-80, expressed as

q = (it ) = 4.9 1.111 10 5 t

m

53

where t is in seconds. After 5 minutes, discharge will remain constant until

tk = 5 +

5 9.78

1.667 5

1.667

1 = 11.18 min = 670.7 sec

The recession limb is computed by

q
m 1 m q m 1 m (t t d ) = 0 =
i
q
0 .6
100
1.667 (4.9 ) q 0.4 (t 300 )
1.111 10 5

which is solved iteratively for assumed values of t. Table P5-32 lists the
tabulated discharge results in Column 3, and Figure P5-32 illustrates the
resulting hydrograph.

5-72

CHAPTER FIVE

Table P5-32
(1)
Time
(sec)

(2)
Time
(min)

(3)
Discharge
(m3/s/m 10-5)

60

2.5

120

7.9

180

15.6

240

25.1

300

36.4

360

36.4

420

36.4

480

36.4

540

36.4

600

10

36.4

660

11

36.4

720

12

31.2

900

15

18.5

1080

18

11.5

1260

21

7.5

1440

24

5.2

1620

27

3.7

1800

30

2.8

1980

33

2.1

2160

36

1.7

2340

39

1.3

2520

42

1.1

2700

45

0.9

2880

48

0.8

SURFACE RUNOFF 5-73

-5

30

Discharge (m /s/m x 10 )

40

20

10

0
0

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

Time (min)

Figure P5-32

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